Hi There!

Subscription Benefits

Our subscription packages are designed to help you add value to your existing Sustainable Agriculture resources. Your subscription not only helps us keep the project on its feet, it also helps the movement toward a more sustainable and healthy agricultural system become a reality.

Newsletters

XML Feeds

NCAT strives to make our information available to everyone who needs it. If you are a limited-access or low-income farmer and find that one of our publications is just not in your budget, please call 800-346-9140.

Poultry Production Systems

Photo courtesy of Luke Elliott

Poultry need adequate space and good living conditions, including fresh air, appropriate temperature, light, and the prevention of pests, predators, and disease, along with sufficient feed and water and housing to protect birds from the elements. Alternative production systems provide for the needs of the birds with a focus on enhancing bird welfare and protecting natural resources. For example, in cage-free production, layers are raised on the floor (litter or slats) instead of in cages to improve welfare. Many production systems for poultry provide outdoor access, where birds can perform natural behaviors, such as dust bathing and scratching, and have ample space, fresh air, and natural sunlight.

Arsenic in Poultry Litter: Organic Regulations
Recent studies show that more than 70% of the arsenic in uncovered piles of poultry litter can be dissolved by rainfall and potentially leach into lakes or streams. Thus, organic producers must take care when they handle and apply poultry litter.

ATTRA - A National Sustainable Agriculture Assistance Program - is developed and managed by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT).
Visit the NCAT website for more information on our other sustainable agriculture and energy projects.